Hyper Gal’s latest album, After Image, is an exhilarating journey through minimalist pop that defies expectations. The duo from Osaka, visual artist Koharu Ishida on vocals and noise artist Kurumi Kadoya on drums, have crafted an experimental sound that captures both the chaotic and the sublime.
From the opening track, one is thrust into a world where simplicity and complexity coexist. The band’s minimalist approach forms the backbone of their sound and creates cacophony that is simultaneously tight and cohesive. Each song feels like a vivid backdrop for a sci-fi psychedelic trip and invites one to lose themselves in its innovative blend of no wave pop and avant-garde.
What sets After Image apart is its fearless fusion of playful melodies with frenetic rhythms. Hyper Gal seamlessly transitions between high-energy anthems and urgent, pulse-pounding pieces, while maintaining an electrifying atmosphere throughout. There’s an infectious energy that drives the album, with no moments of pause or reflection. Just relentless momentum that keeps one on their toes.
Balancing the stark elements are the often visceral and at times whimsical charm of the vocals. They cut through layers of intricate sound and create an intriguing sonic landscape that feels both chaotic and captivating, making each listen an adventure into the unknown. After Image also challenges conventional song structures by incorporating unexpected shifts and rhythms. It is filled with layers that reveal themselves over time. With each track there is a new exploration with the emphasises on blast beat drums and keyboard loops creating an auditory tapestry that is rich in texture.
In a music scene often dominated by predictability, Hyper Gal’s After Image offers a refreshing escape. It’s an album that invites one to embrace its chaos and creativity and it pushes boundaries and ignites imagination. Dive into After Image and prepare for a sonic adventure that promises to be anything but ordinary.
